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Dynaudio 1.3SE question

I'm looking for a pair of speakers, and was considering the Dynaudio 1.8Mk2 (great speaker), but have heard that the 1.3SE is much better (despite being a monitor). If I go with the 1.3SE, I will go used, so I don't want to bother my local dealer to listen to them. So, I have two questions:

1. Is the 1.3SE really that much better than the 1.8Mk2?

2. How does the 1.3SE compare with the Merlin TSM-M? I've never heard a Merlin, but have heard many good things, and am curious.

My music preferences include jazz, folk, rock, heavy metal, electronic... you name it. I actually live in an apartment, so the speakers have to fit into my living room. I'd eventually like to add a sub to the system, for the extra low end. I don't have electronics yet, because I'm waiting to decide on a pair of speakers. When I decide, I will try to build around the speakers. By the way, I also like "fast" speakers (at least I think that's the term)... in other words, I like a speaker that can articulate fast transients in the music, particularly quick percussion beats. I also like nice separation and "air" (it is difficult to describe sounds, isn't it?) and detail. I'd appreciate any input... by the way, this is a great resource for audio enthusiasts!

Dennis
eeerie1

Showing 2 responses by kthomas

kthomas
911 posts
 
Dennis - when you've had a chance to really experience your purchase, please post your impressions. Congrats on your purchase. -Kirk
kthomas
911 posts
 
I like the Dynaudio line a lot - I own the 3.0's and have listened reasonably extensively to several other models. The 1.3SE is a wonderful monitor, and an excellent deal at the used prices they're available for. However, they do like power, the do need breathing room and they do open up a lot at louder volumes. I would not assume that they will be easier to place than the 1.8's - they'll want to be a ways out into the room.

The 1.8 is the easiest of the Contour line to drive. I have a friend who owns a pair and he uses 100 w/ch, tho originally he had only 50 w/ch, and he gets excellent sound. I saw a quote once from a Dynaudio rep saying the 1.8 was the one to go with if you wanted to use tubes. Anyway, you quite likely would find the 1.8 just as easy to place, easier to drive and to sound better at lower volume levels.

One thing I really like about the Dynaudio line is that they're very versatile speakers - I like a broad range of genres and mine sound good on the wide variety.
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